STATESIDE: England international signs on dotted line while Spanish ace considers a number of options

Burleigh duo poised for dream US move

BURLEIGH College’s basketball academy is continuing to produce the goods with two more of their star turns looking set to head Stateside.

England women’s basketball star Jess Hurd and Oriol Fernandez from Spain look set to follow in the foot steps of Paul Sturgess and take up a scholarship in America as their dreams of becoming professionals become closer to reality.

Hurd, 17 and from Kegworth has already accepted the offer of a place from Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire after travelling to see the campus last week.

“It’s really exciting,” she said after signing up to the four year course which will see her studying sports management while training and playing in the prestigious college leagues. “I just want to play basketball and it would be great to get the chance to play professionally in the Women’s NBA.

“I won’t get the chance to play professionally in this country.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Fernandez is another hot talent who has a number of colleges fighting over the chance to sign him up for their college programme.

Originally from Girona in Catalonia, his parents decided to send him to Burleigh to improve his basketball and English while training to be a lawyer.

But the 19-year-old has made waves in this country and his impressed everyone at the BBL outfit Leicester Riders who he trains with at Burleigh.

“The only reason why he dosen’t play for the Riders is because if he was on their books he would not be able to get a scholarship in America,” said the head of basketball at Burleigh and Riders assistant coach Phil Gleadell. “Everyone is really impressed by him and he stands out playing for the Coalville Cougars.

“His parents came over at half term and we persuaded them that his talents would be welcome in America.

“Some of the Riders players and coaches have spoken to their contacts over there and have said ‘look you have to sign this player up’ and he’s now got a few options open to him.

“I’m massively proud of both of them. The basketball coaching course has given us some massive successes.”